A Great Migration safari in the Serengeti costs roughly $450–$1,600 per person per day in 2026, all-inclusive of accommodation, park fees, guiding and game drives. The spread is wide because the same wildlife spectacle can be watched from a $450 tented camp or a $1,600 fly-in luxury lodge on the exact same river bend.
Below is the real cost breakdown we quote our guests — including the fees most operators bury in the fine print — so you can budget before you enquire.
| Option | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort tented camp | $450 – $650 / day | Shared 4x4, mobile camp, full board, park fees |
| Premium mobile camp | $650 – $950 / day | Private 4x4 & guide, camp that follows the herds |
| Luxury lodge | $950 – $1,300 / day | Permanent luxury lodge, private vehicle, all drinks |
| Fly-in exclusive | $1,300 – $1,600+ / day | Light-aircraft hops, private guide, balloon safari option |
A typical 7-day migration safari therefore lands between $3,200 and $10,500 per person, excluding international flights.
What is included in the daily rate
Tanzania safaris are quoted as an all-inclusive daily rate rather than a room rate. Understanding what sits inside that number is the fastest way to compare two quotes fairly.
- Serengeti park fees — $82.60 per adult per 24 hours in 2026
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area fee — $70.80 per adult per day when included
- Concession or camping fees inside the park — $59–$71 per person per night
- 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof, fuel and professional guide
- Full board accommodation, drinking water and game drives
What is not included
Budget an extra allowance for these so the final invoice holds no surprises.
- International flights into Kilimanjaro (JRO) — typically $700–$1,400 return
- Tanzania visa — $50 (most nationalities) or $100 (US passports)
- Hot-air balloon safari over the Serengeti — around $599 per person
- Guide and camp staff gratuities — $20–$30 per guest per day
- Travel insurance, which we require on every safari
Why the season moves the price
The migration is a year-round circuit, not a single event, so there is no month without wildlife. Price peaks track the two moments travellers most want to witness.
January–March calving in the southern Serengeti and July–October Mara River crossings in the north both carry high-season rates, often 25–40% above April–May green-season pricing. May and November deliver the same landscape and far better value.
How to reduce the cost without downgrading the experience
Sharing a vehicle, travelling in the shoulder months, and combining Serengeti nights with less expensive Tarangire or Lake Manyara nights are the three levers that cut a quote most effectively.
- Travel in May, June or November for green-season rates
- Choose a mobile camp that moves with the herds instead of long transfer days
- Group of four or more — private-vehicle cost is split, not added
- Drive in, fly out: one light-aircraft leg instead of two
Frequently asked questions
How much does a 7-day Serengeti migration safari cost per person?
Between roughly $3,200 and $10,500 per person depending on lodge tier, excluding international flights. A comfortable mid-range 7-day migration safari with a private vehicle typically quotes around $4,500–$6,500 per person.
Are park fees included in safari prices?
In our quotes, yes. Serengeti park fees are $82.60 per adult per 24 hours and Ngorongoro is $70.80 per adult per day; both are built into the daily rate we send you.
When are the Mara River crossings?
Crossings are most reliable from late July through October in the northern Serengeti. Nothing is guaranteed — the herds respond to rainfall — but staying three or more nights in the north dramatically improves your odds.
Is a migration safari worth the extra cost?
If you can travel in the calving or crossing windows, yes. If your dates are fixed outside them, a resident-game safari in Ngorongoro and Tarangire delivers superb sightings at a lower price.
Ready to plan it properly?
Tell us your dates and budget and our Tanzania-based team will send a costed itinerary within 24 hours.
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